Good Sports: 87-year-old tennis star still going strong

At an age when most senior citizens have long since slowed down to enjoy retirement, one 87-year-old Fresno woman is the exception to the rule. Elaine Mason is a living legend and inspiration to everyone she's ever met.

After more than 30 years of teaching tennis, Mason made a bold decision.

"I started playing some of the Northern California tournaments in my late 50's and early 60's," Mason said.

That's right, Mason started playing competitively. This after already making massive contributions to the game, like holding the first patent for the "Shorty" racquet, designed to help beginners learn the game quicker.

"They would always cinch up because they had more control," explained Mason. I thought why not make a racquet that length so that as a child they can have success."

After retirement, and a few playing lessons, Mason finally made her national tournament debut at 64-years-old.

"It took a few years to become tournament tough and learn what I needed to do," admitted Mason. "It was motivating and exciting to see that I could improve."

"Singles and doubles," said Copper River Director of Tennis, and Mason's mentor, Coby Roberts. "94 [national tournament wins]. She won on grass, hard courts, clay and indoors. There would be many years when she won singles and doubles in all four events. They call that the Golden Slam."

And it's not just tennis. Mason is seeing the world as a top senior player.